Multicompartment carton



Oct. 30, 1945. 1, WILLIAMSON 2,387,790

MULTICOMPARTMENT CARTON Filed May 6, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet l 56 as T a INVENTOR Marshall |.'Wil|iamson HI RNEY 1945- M. l. WILLIAMSON 8 ,7 7

MULTICQMPARTMENT CARTON 3 Sheets-Sheefi 3 Filed May 6, 1943 hams on Patented Oct. 30, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 7 2,387,790 MULTICOMPARTMENT CARTON Marshall I. Williamson, New Haven, Conn.

Application May 6, 1943, Serial No. 485,851

14 Claims.

Thisinvention relates to multi-compartment boxes,'and particularly to folding boxes of multicompartment type.

In the merchandising of certain related commodities, such as pipes and containers of tobacco, it is often advantageous to assembly the related commodities in a single carton. The combination packaging is particularly eil'ective if so arranged as to be capable of displaying, as well as of retaining, the packaged articles.

Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is to provide a multi-compartment box that is capable of opening into a position effectively displaying its contents and of closing upon itself to completely house its contents.

Cartons have heretofore been designed to simulate books, portions thereof being connected by a hinge back-portion and being swingable upon each other in the manner of the covers of a book. Pursuant to the present invention there maybe formed a particularly advantageous booksimulating carton having a plurality of compartments very effectively arranged for the purpose of displaying the contained merchandise when the "book" is open.

Under present day methods of high-speed quantity production, cartons are most efliciently manufactured as folding boxes, that is, from prepared blanks capable of being folded into the desired carton form.

Accordingly, another object of the invention is to provide such a construction for the multicompartment box as will lend itself to attainment, at least in major part, from the folding of a prepared single blank of foldable sheet material, usually sheet paper-board material.

In all forms of the invention, an object is to provide for structural strength and rigidity for the box as a whole.

A feature of book-simulating embodiments of the invention resides in the arrangement of cover compartments to accommodate, without interfering with opening and closing of the, book," an intermediate compartment which approximately coincides with the back portion,

An important feature of the invention resides in rigidly extending certain of the walls of one container compartment of the box outwardly of the compartment so as to form an interior pocket for receiving another container compartment of the box, which is hingedly connected to one of the wall extensions of the first-mentioned container compartment. The so attached other container compartment is usually dimensioned to flt snugly into the interior pocket of the first-mentioned container compartment when swung on the huge connection therebetween, and, when thus swung into position, gives solidity and strength to the box as a whole.

A principal feature of the invention resides inmaking the compartment structures substantially rectangular; and, further, in rigidly extending two opposite walls of at least one of the compartment structures outside of the compartment confines, as well as similarly extending a third wall of the compartment structure which lies between and interconnects the two opposite walls. Thus, a pocket is formed externally of the compartment structure and between the several rigid wall extensions and that adjacent compartment wall which stands at right-angles to each of the several rigid wall extensions. This external pocket and the walls which define it are of prime importance in combination with the remaining structure of the box, for, since the several wall extensions are angularly joined, they add strength and rigidity to the box as a whole both in open and closed positions.

The box may be constructed so that asecond compartment structure is hinged to the aforementioned compartment structure at the outer extremity, and along the width, of the rigid extension of the'third wall thereof, so that, when the two compartment structures are swung together on the line of hinge, the second fits either partially or wholly within the external pocket of the first, being either partially or wholly protected thereby. It is preferred to make the second compartment of such dimension that it fits snugly within the pocket, with its walls contiguous with the defining walls of the pocket so the entire box is reinforcedand made solid by the nesting arrangement of the two compartment structures.

On the other hand, the box may be so constructed that an unwalled, merchandise-receiving panel is hinged to the outer extremity, and along the width, of the rigid extension of the third wall of the compartment structure which possesses the internal pocket, so that a neat pile of merchandise of proper dimensions may be placed on the panel and into protected position when the compartment structure and the panel are swung together on the line of hinge. It is preferred that the merchandise and its arrangement in the panel besuch that the pile is substantially rigid along its width and ofsuch dimension as to reinforce the box when in closed condition.

The above-described structural feature is esformed over the inside face of the "back" when the book is closed. Depending upon the configuration of the wall extensions, the chamber may be entirely enclosed.

A third compartment structure may be provided on the inside face of the book back to nest within the chamber, or the back" may be merely a panel for suitably receiving suitable merchandise on its inside face to be protected within the chamber when the book is closed, and completely exposed to view for display purposes when the book" is open.

If the pockets are disposed at the free ends of the respective covers, the third compartment structure, or a merchandise-receiving panel of dimensions substantially corresponding with the chamber formed by the pockets when the covers" are swung closed, is hinged to'the outer extremity, and along the width, of the rigid extension of the third wall of one of the cover compartment structures. Or, in some instances, a pair of compartment structures, correspondin to the single third compartment structure mentioned above, or a pair of merchandise-receiving panels, are similarly hinged to the respective cover compartments for swinging into the chamber, at opposite sides thereof, when the "book" is closed.

Further objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

; F gure 1 represents a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a folding, book-simulating carton opened up in display position and containing related commodities:

Figure 2 represents a top perspective view of the carton of Fig. 1 closed upon itself in book formation.

Figure 3 represents a top plan view of a foldable blank of sheet material prepared for producing the compartmented carton of Figs. 1 and 2;

Figure 4 represents a vertical section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Figure 5 represents an exploded perspective .view of a compartmented carton similar to that of Fig. 1, but including a separate inner compartment.

Figure 6 represents a top plan view of a blank prepared for folding into the separate inner compartment of Fig. 5:

I Figure 7 represents a fragmentary vertical section taken across the mid-portion of the carton of Fig. 5 in its fully assembled and opened Figure 10 represents a perspective view, taken from the front, of a multi-compartment carton pursuant to any of the illustrated embodiments of the invention wherein a latch is employed to retain the carton closed.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention; the intermediate compartment is shown in elevated position and one stiffening collar shpwn at one side.

Figure 12 is a top plan view of the intermediate compartment of Figure 11. Figure 13 is a central loingitudinal sectional view of Figure 11, the intermediate compartment being in its normal position. Figure 14 is a plan of a blank of the body of the embodiment shown in Figure 11. Figure 15 is a plan of the blank of the intermediate compartment. Figure 16 is a plan of the blank of a latch member of the embodiment of Figure 11.

In all folding embodiments of the invention at least the major portion is made up from a blank of foldable sheet material especially configurated for the purpose. In certatin instances, it may be preferred to form the entire carton from a single integral blank. In other instances, it may prove desirable to form an intermediate compartment portion independently of the remainder of the carton and incorporate it in the latter by any suitable securing means.

In Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 is illustrated a book-simulating carton, pursuant to the invention, which is formed in entirety from a single integral blank of foldable sheet material.

The blank, illustrated per se in Fig. 3, advantageously comprises a series of panel members arranged in side-by-side alignment, appropriate panel members being provided with appurtenant top and bottom extensions which provide and closures for compartments of the carton. As is customary in the folding box art, the blank is preferably prepared from paper-board sheet stock having a thickness, and other characteristics. suitable for the particular instance of use.

It is preferable that the panel members he so proportioned and arranged that the respective end portions of the blank may be folded inwardly upon the intermediate portion to form substantially similar compartments for service as the cover portions of the book formation and to continue inwardly of the blank to mutually form an intermediate compartment at the back-portion of the book formation, the cover compartments being so spaced from the intermediate compartment as to .allow the book to be closed.

Accordingly, in the particular illustrated embodiment concerned, see Fig. 3, a central panel member ID is defined intermediate the length of the blank by the lateral fold lines II, and by the upper and lower fold lines l2. Appurtenant members extend integrally from the top and bottom, respectively, of panel member ID, each member comprising two parts l3 and I 4 divided by an intermediate fold line IS.

The central panel member lil serves as the back-portion of the "book," and the lateral fold lines il serve to hinge the cover portions to the back-portion. The intermediate compartment is disposed within the boundaries of the panel ill, the top and bottom extending members I3 and I4 ultimately serving to complete the formation v of the intermediate compartment.

The cover portions are formed, in part, by outer panel members l6, which extend integrally from opposite lateral sides of the central panel m mber l0, each being bounded by a lateral fold line II, a lateral fold line I1, and by a top and a bottom fold line I8. At the top and bottom of the outer panel members I6 are integrally extending members, which are each divided by a fold line 2| to provide compartment closure elements I9 and 20.

The cover portions are completed by the outer lateral panel members 22, by the inner panel members 23, and by the inner lateral panel members 24.

The outer lateral panel members 22 are each bounded by a lateral fold line H, by a lateral fold line 25, and by a top and a bottom fol line 26.

The inner panel members 23 are each bounded by a lateral fold line 25, by a lateral fold line I 21, and by free top and bottom edges.

The inner lateral panel members 24 are each bounded by a lateral fold line 21, by a lateral fold line 28, and by a top and a bottom fold lin 29. v

The outer lateral panel members 22 each have, extending therefrom, top and bottom tab members 30, and the inner lateral panel members each have, extending therefrom, top and bottom tab members 3|.

In the instant embodiment, the intermediate compartment is formed in part by the outer ends of the blank. Accordingly, the spanner panel member 32 xtend integrally from the outer lateral sides of the inner lateral panel members 24, each being bounded by a lateral fold line 28, by a lateral fold line 33, and by free top and bottom edges.

Intermediate-compartment-forming panels 34 extend integrally from the lateral sides of the spanner panels 32, each being bounded by a lateral fold line 33, by a free lateral edge, and by a top. and a bottom fold line 35. They each have, extending therefrom, top and bottom members 36.

In folding the blank of Fig. 3 to form the booksimulating carton of Figs. 1, 2 and 4, the inner panel members 23 of the cover portions are positioned directly above the outer panel members I6, the lateral panel members .22 and 24 provide the lateral walls of th cover compartments. The spacing panel members 32 are superimposed in face to face contact on the inner margins of outer panel members I6, and the intermediatecompartment-forming panel members 34 are made to stand up in mutual opposition at the lateral margins of central panel member II).

Members of each of the panel members 34 interlook by reason of the open-mouth slits 38 provided therein, and are then coveredand thus, held in placeby the members I3 and I4 at each end of the central panel I 0. The members 43 provide outer end walls for the inner compartmentv and the members I4 fold over into the interior of the intermediate compartment, being secured in any advantageous manner, as, for instance, by stapling, as indicated at 28.

The members I9 and 20, at each end of each of the outer panel members I6, provide end closures for the cover compartments and rigidly extending portions of the members I9, see IBa, form guide members which slide over the end walls l3 of the intermediate compartment in face-to-face contact therewith, when the cover portions are swung open and closed. The tab members 30 of each inner lateral panel member and the tab members 3| of each outer lateral panel member provide supports for the end closures of the cover compartments, substantially as normally provided in an ordinary tuck-end carton.

The rigidly extending guide members l9a serve additionally to conceal the end walls of the intermediate compartment when the box is closed and thus contribute to its simulation of a book. They also serve to strengthen the box as a whole and to prevent strain on the hinge portions proper. They effectively prevent displacement of the respective cover portions along the planes within which they lie.

It should be noted that the widths of the spacing panel members 32 are substantially equal to the widths of the intermediate-compartmentforming panel members 34, and, accordingly, the inner lateral walls 24 of the cover compartments are spaced apart from the lateral walls 34 of the intermediate compartment by distances substantially equal to the heights of such lateral walls 34. Wherefore, when the cover compartments are swung closed on their hinge lines II, they clear the intermediate compartment and fully enclose the same, see Fig. 2. Thus,'the intermediate compartment may serve to contain an article of merchandise, such as, in the particular instance, a smoking pipe, see 4|, Fig. 1.

The rigid extension or guide members I9a, together with the rigid I 611 of the outer or back wall I 6 of the particular cover compartment concerned, and together with the inner lateral wall 24 of that compartment, form a pocket into which the intermediate compartment fits when the particular cover portion of the carton is swung into closed position. The two cover portions of the carton, thus, provide a covered and enclosed nest for the intermediate compartment. So that the cover compartments will clear the intermediate compartment in swinging closed, their inner lateral walls 24 must be spaced from the lateral walls 34 of the intermediate compartment by distances at least as great as the heights of such lateral walls 34. In certain instances it may be desirable to provide spacing of a greater extent to accommodate special configuration of the intermediate compartment, or of articles contained thereby. Also, so that the cover portions will properly close, the heights of the two inner lateral walls 24 combined, and the heights of the two outer lateral walls 22 combined, are substantially equal to the width of the intermediate compartment. It is conceivable, however, that in certain instances this need not hold true.

Referring now to Figs. 5, 6 and 7, in which a book simulating multi-compartmented carton having its major portion made up from a single integral blank of foldable sheet material and its intermediate compartment made up separately and distinctly is illustrated: 45 indicates generally the major portion of the carton which forms the cover compartments 46 and the intermediate section, or back portion 4?, of the cover. The single integral blank, which is prepared for folding into the major portion 45 of this embodiment of the multi-compartmented carton, is essentially similar to the single integral blank illustratedin Fig. 3. A difference exists, however, in that the intermediate compartment-forming panel members 34 are eliminated, the blank terminating at its opposite ends in free edges which coincide with the fold lines 33.

A further distinction exists in the fact that the top and bottom members, which extend from the central panel member, are especially long to provide outer end wall forming members 48, in-

ner end wall forming members 49 and finish tab I members 80, with which frictionally to hold in place a separate intermediate compartment.

The intermediate compartment, indicated generally at ii, is advantageously folded into box form from a single integral blank such as that illustrated in Fig. 6. The blank comprises a bottom forming panel member 82, outer lateral wall forming panel members 83, inner lateral wall forming panel members 88, inner bottom forming panel member 58, and finish tab member 88. The panel members are arranged in series, sideby-side, being separated by appropriate parallel fold lines. The outer lateral wall forming panel members 53 each have, extending therefrom, top and bottom members 51, which are provided with open mouthed slits 58 for afl'ording interlocking of adjacent extensions 81 in the forming of end walls for the intermediate compartment.

The intermediate compartment Si is set up by folding the blank on the provided fold lines and interlocking mutually adacent members 57. The

'lateral walls and bottom wall will, thus, be of double thickness, as is clearly illustrated in Fig. "7.

The particular construction of the intermediate compartment, when separate, is not important. Any type of box means found advantageous may be employed whether it be single or double walled, provided with a bottom or hottomless, etc.

In assembling this embodiment of multi-compartmented carton, the separate intermediate compartment Si is placed upon the inner face of the cover back portion 41 of the carton with its bottom exactly coinciding therewith, and each of the group of extensions 48, 49, and 58 is folded over its respective end wall of the intermediate compartment and secured thereto in any appropriate manner, in this instance, by the friction finishing tabs 58.

In Figs. 8 and 9 is illustrated a slightly different embodiment of the invention in which a folding top is provided for the intermediate compartment. a

This embodiment may be made-up by folding a prepared, single, integral blank of foldable sheet material which is essentially similar to that illustrated in Fig. 3. The blank, however, differs from consideration of the above discussed embodiments of the invention, that various alterations in dimension and arrangement of the component panels and elements of the blank and carton may be made within the purview of the invention. For instance, the panel members may be arranged in some convenient manner other than sequential side-by-side series relationship so long as essential structural characteristics of the resulting carton accord with the primary inventive concepts, and the intermediate compartment may be variously formed and variously secured in place.

As illustrated in Figures 11 through 16, the carton may be formed from a main blank having the inner and outer wall-forming panels thereof lying mutually side-by-side, see Fig. 14, rather than in serialalignment, and the intermediate compartment may be formed, as shown in Fig. 15, with securing flap members adapted to pass through receiving slits formed in the receiving panel of the main blank.

The compartment structures 10, which lie at either side of the intermediate panel II when the main blank is set up, see Fig. 11, are similar in form to the corresponding compartment structures of the previously described embodiments.

In the blank, however, the inner wall panels I2 extend from a set of the end wall panels I8, rather than from the outer side wall panels 18, and are adapted to be folded over endwise into spaced, superimposed positions relative to the outer wall panels I5, being secured into place by from that illustrated in Fig. 3 by thefurther 881) collectively form a top closure for the intermediate compartment.

The panel members which span the distances between the cover compartment and the inner compartment, see the spacing panel members 32 of the blank of Fig. 3 and the corresponding panel members 82' of the blank of Fig. 5, need not be specially secured to the panel portions against which they lie in face-to-face friction contact, although it may be advantageous in certain instances to glue them in place.

For maintaining the carton closed in substantially the form of a closed book, a latch, or other appropriate securing means, may be employed. In Fig. 10 is illustrated a latch element 85 in the. form of a separate cardboard strip having one end, see 85a, provided with lateral wing extensions. The body of the strip 85 is passed outwardly through a slit 88, provided in the front glue lips 18.

The inner side wall panels I1 extend laterally from inner wall panels 12, and the spanner panels 18 extend laterally from the inner side wall panels 11, the latter havinglength adapted to reach from the inner side walls TI to the lines of hinge 19 when thecarton is set-up. The lines of hinge I9 define the intermediate panel ll laterally. Here, the compartment structures 10 are adapted to be opened and closed laterally, rather than endwise, so closure flaps 88 extend laterally from the outer side wall panels 14.

Extending transversely across the intermediate panel II, near its opposite ends, are respective slits llwhich are adapted to receive securing flap members of the separate intermediate compartment 90.

The blank used for forming the separate intermediate compartment 98 is illustrated per se in Fig. 15. It is generally similar to the blank of Fig. 6, comprising a bottom wall panel 82, inner sidewall panels 83, outer side wall panels 84, andinterlocking'members 85. For the purpose of forming end walls, however, and afiording means of securement to the main blank of Fig. 14, there are provided inner end wall panels 88. outer end wall panels 81, and securing flaps 88.

In setting up the carton, the two blanks are folder! on the various score lines provided between the respective panels. The glue flaps 18 of the main blank are glued to the inner faces of the free end wall panels 18, and the spanner the completed carton illustrated in Figs. 12 and It may be desirable that stiffening inserts or collars 9| be slipped into the compartment struc-' tures 10 for reinforcing the several internally turned flaps 92 thereof, and, as in the prior embodiment of Fig. 10, a latch element 93 is utilized for retaining the carton in closed book-formation. The blank for forming the latch element 93 is illustrated per se in Fig. 16, the component parts thereof corresponding to the latch element 65 of Fig. 10. It operates in the respective slits 94 provided in the main blank of Fig. 14.

This application is a continuation in part and substitute of my allowed application Serial Num ber 276,075, filed May 27, 1939, entitled Multicompartment carton. o 4

Whereas I have illustrated and described various embodiments of my invention as exemplifications of changes in modifications of the invention, it will be understood that the invention includes further changes and modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A multi-compartmented carton comprising a blank of foldable sheet material folded upon itself to form wholly peripherally walled compartment structures disposed in common on one face of the blank and at opposite lateral sides of an intermediate portion thereof; flaps extending from the ends of the said intermediate portion of the blank; compartment-forming means disposed within the confines of said intermediate portion of the blank on the said one face thereof, and secured in place by said flaps; said compartment structures being spaced apart, respectively, from said intermediate portion of the blank by respective distances sufiicient to provide. clear ance for said compartment structures about said compartment-forming means and to permit the said compartment structures to close in substantially book fashion about said compartmentforming means, so that those lateral walls of said compartment structures, which lie close to said compartment-forming means, will be disposed directly over and contiguous with the top of said compartment-forming means.

2. A multi-compartmented carton comprising a blank of foldable sheet material folded upon it-= self to form wholly peripherally walled compartment structures disposed in common on one face of the blank and at opposite lateral sides of an intermediate portion thereof; compartmentforming means disposed within the confines of said intermediate portion of the blank on the said one face thereof; said compartment structures being spaced apart, respectively, from said intermediate portion of the blank by respective distances suflicient to provide clearance for said compartment structures about said compartmentforming means and to permit the said compartment structures to close in substantially book fashion about said compartment-forming means,

so that those lateral walls of said compartment structures, which lie close to said compartmentforming means, will be disposed directly over and contiguous with the top of said compartmentforming means, and upper and lower ends forsaid compartment structures, said ends being formed integral with said blank and having portions which extend toward said intermediate portion of the blank and serve to cover the ends of said compartment-forming means when said compartment structures are closed, in substantially book fashion about said compartmentforming means.

3. A multi-compartmented carton comprising a blank of foldable sheet material folded upon itself to form wholly peripherally walled compartment structures disposed in common on one face of the blank and at opposite lateral sides of an intermediate portion thereof; compartmentforming meaii s disposed within the confines of said intermediate portion of the blank on tne said one face thereof, said compartment-forming means being formed separate and distinct from said blank; panel extensions, integral with said blank, iormnig end wall portions for said compartment-forming means and serving to secure the latter to said intermediate portion of the blank; said compartment structures being spaced apart,.respectiveiy, from said intermediate portion of the blank by respective distances suflicient to provide clearance for said compartment structures about said compartment-forming means and to permit the said compartment structures to close in substantially book fashion about said compartment-forming means, so that those lateral walls of said compartment structures, which lie close to said compartment-forming means, will be disposed directly over and contiguous with the top of said compartment-forming means; and upper and lower ends for said compartment structures, said ends being formed integral with said blank and having portions which extend toward said intermediate portion of the blank and serve to cover the ends of said compartment-forming means when said compartment structures are closed, in substantially book fashion, about said compartment-forming means.

4. A multi-compartmented carton comprising a blank of foldable sheet material folded upon itself to form substantially equi-dimensioned, wholly peripherally walled compartment structures disposed in common on one face of the blank and at opposite lateral sides of a central portion thereof; substantially parallel fold lines bounding said central portion laterally; compartmentforming means disposed upon, and substantially coextensive with, said centra1 portion of the blank on the said one face thereof, said compartmentforming means providing upstanding walls of substantially equal height; each of said compartment structures being spaced apart from its respective adjacent lateral side of said compartment-forming means by a distance substantially equal to the height of said adjacent lateral side, so that the compartment structures may close in substantially book fashion about said compartment-forming means; and upper and lower end closures for said compartment structures, said end closures being formed integral with said blank and having portions which extend toward said intermediate portion of the blank and serve to cover the ends of .said compartment-forming means when said compartment structure are closed thereabout.

5. A single integral blank 6! foldable sheet material for forming a multi-compartmented booksimulating carton comprising a series of panel members disposed sequentially side-by-side and defined by substantially parallel lines of fold, said.- series including an intermediate panel member;

sets of cover-compartment-forming panel members extending, respectively, from opposite lateral sides of said intermediate panel member; a pair of spacer panel members extending, respectively,

ate-compartment-forming panel members having substantially the same widths, respectively, as the respective adjacent spacer panel members.

6. A single integral blank of foldable sheet ma- 1 terial for forming a multi-compartmented booksimulating carton comprising a series of panel members disposed sequentially side-by-side and defined by substantially parallel lines of fold, said series including a central panel member; sets of cover-compartment-forming panel members exsequentially side-by-s'ide and defined by substantially parallel lines of fold, said series including an intermediate panel member, sets of panel members extending, respectively, from opposite lateral sides of said panel member for forming, when folded back toward said intermediate panel member, respective compartments spaced apart, respectively, from the opposite lateral sides of said intermediate panel member; and upper and lower transverse panel members for forming ends for said compartments, said transverse panel members having extensions, toward said intermediate panel member, which are substantially equal in lengths to the said spacing between said compartments and said opposite lateral sides of the intermediate panel member. 1

9. An integral blank of foldable sheet material,

' comprising a series of panel members disposed sequentially side-by-side and defined by substantially parallel lines of fold, said series including an intermediate panel member, sets of panel membersextending, respectively, from opposite lateral sides of said panel member for forming, whenfolded back toward said intermediate panel member, respective compartments spaced apart,

respectively, from the opposite lateral sides of said intermediate panel member; transverse panel members for forming ends for said compartment,

tending, respectively, from opposite lateral sides of said central panel member, said sets being substantially similar in form and dimensions; a pair of spacer panel members, having equal widths, extending, respectively, laterally from the outermost of the cover-compartment-forming panel members; panel members extending, respectively, from the outer lateral sides of said spacer panel members, said intermediate compartment-forming panel members when set up serving to form peripherally walled compartment structures said intermediate-compartment-forming panel members having substantially the same widths, respectively, as the respective adjacent spacer panel members;

intermediate compartment-forming and relatively short flap extensions at the tops t and bottoms of certain of said panel members of said series of panel members for providing end closures for the cover compartments and the intermediate compartment.

7. An integral blank of foldable sheet material comprising a series of panel members disposed sequentially side-by-side and defined by substantially parallel lines of fold, said series including an intermediate panel member, sets of panel members extending, respectively, from opposite lateral sides of said intermediate panel member for forming, when folded back toward said intermediate panel member, respective compartments spaced apart, rewpectively, from the opposite lateral sides of said intermediate panel member, and, further, for forming a pair of spacer panel members extending, respectively, from the outermost lateral sides of the outermost panel members of the said sets of panel members, said spacer panel members having widths, respectively, substantially equal to the spacing between the said compartments and the opposite lateral sides of said intermediate panel member; and transverse panel members for forming ends for said compartments, said transverse panel members having extensions toward said intermediatepanel member substantially equal in lengths to the said spacing between the compartments and the opposite lateral sides of the intermediate panel member.

8. An integral blank of foldable sheet material,

said transverse panel members having extensions,

toward said intermediate panel member, which are substantially equal in lengths to the said spacing between said compartments and said opposite lateral sides of the intermediate panel member; and members extending from the ends of said intermediate panel member for folding inwardly toward said intermediate panel member in securing a separate intermediate compartment element to said intermediate panel member.

10: A multi-compartmented carton comprising a blank of foldable sheet material folded upon itself to form substantially equi-dimensioned wholly peripherally walled compartment structures disposed in common on one face of the blank and at opposite lateral sides of a central portion thereof; substantially parallel fold lines bounding said central portion laterally; compartment-forming means disposed upon, and sub- --lateral side, so that the compartment structures may close in substantially book fashion, about said compartment-forming means, wherein tuckin latch means is disposed at the forward ends of said compartment structures for maintaining the carton closed.

11. A multi-compartment carton, comprising a blank of sheet paper-board material folded upon itself to form wholly peripherally walled com partment structures disposed in common on one face of the blank and at opposite lateral sides of an intermediate portion thereof; lines of hinge defining the lateral sides of said intermediate portion of the blank; compartment-forming means disposed within the confines of said intermediate portion of the blank on the said one face thereof; said compartment structures being spaced apart, respectively, from said intermediate portion of the blank by respective distances comprising a series of panel members disposed suflicient to provide clearance for said compartment structures about said intermediately disposed compartment-forming means and such that the said compartment structures may be swung into substantially face-to-face contiguous relationship, in substantially book fashion, about said compartment-forming means and on said lines of hinge, so that those lateral walls of said compartment-structures which lie close to said compartment forming means will be disposed directly over and substantially contiguous with the top of said compartment-forming means, providing a solid, mutually reinforced structural unit when in closed, set-up condition.

12. A multi-compartment carton, comprising a blank of foldable sheet material folded upon itself to form wholly peripherally walled compartment structures disposed in common on one face of the blank and at opposite lateral sides of an intermediate portion of the blank; lines of hinge defining the lateral sides of said intermediate portion of the blank; transverse slits passing through said intermediate portion of the blank adjacent the ends thereof; a separatecompartment formed to substantially coincide with the said intermediate portion of the blank, and having securing flaps extending therefrom, the said securing flaps being passed through the said transverse slits, whereby said separate compartment is secured to the intermediate portion of the blank, said compartment structures being spaced apart, respectively; from said intermediate portion of the blank by respective distancessuflicient to provide clearances for said compartment structures about the intermediately disposed compartment which permit the said compartment structures to be swung on said lines of hinge about said intermediately disposed compartment in substantially book fashion.

13. A foldably collapsible multi-compartment carton formed of an integral blank of yieldable sheet material comprising, when set up by folding such sheet material upon itself, wholly peripherally walled rectangular receptaqleseach having a face wall and four side walls, the face wall and two of the opposite side walls of which extend beyond one of the other side walls thereof, an edge of the thus extending face wall of each receptacle being fully but hingedly connected to opposite edges of an intermediate rectangular panel having a width substantially equal to the combined height of any corresponding two of the side walls of the two receptacles so that, when the two receptacles are swung together in the manner of closing the covers of a book, the said one side wall and the therebeyond extending portions of the face wall and said opposite side walls of each receptacle, together with the said hingedly connected intermediate panel will form a substantially fully enclosed rectangular chamber.

14. A foldably collapsible multi-compartment carton formed of an integral blank of yieldable sheet material comprising, when set up by folding such sheet material upon itself, wholly peripherally walled compartmented cover sections hinged to an intermediate ba'ck section, each of said cover sections being of substantially fiat formation having an outer wall which'forms an outer cover of the carton and an opposite, substantially parallel, inner wall, said inner wall being of lesser width than the outer wall and overlying the outerwall so that it is in substantial coincidence with that portion of the outer cover which lies farthest from the joinder of said cover section with the intermediate section; and portions extending from the end walls of said cover sections toward and substantially up to the respectively associated joinder with said intermediate section.

MARSHALL I. WILLIAMSON. 

